Difference Between Prokaryotic And Eukaryotic Cells

Recently we had explored the domain Eukarya, its history, kingdoms, and characteristics in detail. In this article, we will explore the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

The distinction between prokaryotes and eukaryotes is considered to be one of the most critical variations among groups of organisms.

What is a Prokaryotic cell?

Prokaryotes are single-cell organisms (unicellular) which do not contain organelles or any internal membrane structures. That means that they have a single chromosome and no nucleus, but instead they have nucleoid (a circular container that has double-stranded DNA). These organisms belong to domain Prokarya.

What is a Eukaryotic cell?

Eukaryotes are multi-cellular organisms, and they contain a nucleus and other organelles encapsulated within membranes. From an organization perspective, they belong a domain Eukarya.

What Is The Difference Between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells?

The table below summarizes their similarities as well as their differences.

Endocytosis (active transport mechanism in which a cell transports proteins “into” the cell) and Exocytosis (active transport mechanism in which a cell transports proteins “out of” the cell) are absent.

Both present.

Cyclosis

Cyclosis is the movement of protoplasm within a cell; it is absent.

Present

Fimbriae

Prokaryotes may have pili and fimbriae (appendage that can be found on many Gram-negative and some Gram-positive bacteria).

Absent

Transcription

Transcription is the second step of gene expression where particular section of DNA is copied into RNA); it occurs in the cytoplasm for prokaryote cells.